Damage Waiver
Damage Waiver Policy
To make your booking experience as smooth and stress-free as possible, we operate a Damage Waiver system across our properties.
What is a Damage Waiver?
The Damage Waiver is a non-refundable fee applied to each booking, which replaces the need for a traditional security deposit.
It is designed to cover minor accidental damage that may occur during your stay, without the need for a large upfront deposit.
How It Works
- A fixed Damage Waiver fee is added to your booking (this is not a percentage of the booking value).
- This covers accidental damage to the property and its contents up to £350 per stay.
- The waiver is managed directly by us and is not an insurance policy.
What is Covered?
The Damage Waiver is intended to cover unintentional, accidental damage, including (but not limited to):
- Broken crockery, glassware, or small household items
- Minor damage to furniture or furnishings
- Accidental stains or spillages
- Lost keys or minor breakages
What is Not Covered?
The Damage Waiver does not cover:
- Damage exceeding £350
- Deliberate, reckless, or negligent damage
- Damage caused by breach of booking terms (e.g. parties, smoking where not permitted)
- Missing items or theft
Guest Responsibility
While the Damage Waiver removes the need for a security deposit, your responsibility for the property remains unchanged.
- Guests are fully liable for any damage caused during their stay.
- If the cost of damage exceeds £350, the lead guest will be responsible for the remaining balance.
- We will seek to recover these costs directly from the guest where necessary.
Why We Use a Damage Waiver
Following extensive research across the holiday letting industry, including high-end agencies managing premium properties, the Damage Waiver model has been widely adopted and tested.
Key benefits include:
- Removing the need for large, upfront deposits
- Reducing administrative delays and disputes
- Providing clear, simple cover for the most common types of accidental damage
Industry data shows that most damage incidents fall within the waiver limit, with no increase in damage reported following the transition from traditional deposit systems.
Insurance
Property owners maintain appropriate insurance cover for their homes. The Damage Waiver is designed to complement this by covering the majority of minor incidents and, where applicable, contributing towards insurance excesses.
In Summary
- No security deposit required
- Fixed, non-refundable fee per booking
- Covers accidental damage up to £350
- Guests remain fully responsible for all damage